2025 President Federation Cup: Battle of the underdogs as NPFL side, Ikorodu City FC, squares up with NNL side, Abakaliki FC

Posted : 20 May 2025

2025 President Federation Cup: Battle of the Underdogs as NPFL Side Ikorodu City FC Faces NNL Side Abakaliki FC in the Semi-Finals

It will surely be a match to watch out for as newly founded Abakaliki FC takes on Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) debutants, Ikorodu City FC, in a battle of the underdogs for a spot in the 2025 President Federation Cup semi-finals.

While it is not unusual for a lower league club to win the Federation Cup—as El-Kanemi Warriors did last year when they won the 2024 edition after defeating Abia Warriors—the current scenario feels different. El-Kanemi Warriors had previously played in the top flight and cannot be compared directly to Abakaliki FC, a club that was only founded four years ago.

The exploits and surprise elements surrounding Abakaliki FC are more pronounced, as the team has overcome significant obstacles en route to the semi-finals.

Abakaliki FC have been one of the standout teams in the 2025 Federation Cup, and they have now set up another intriguing semi-final clash against Ikorodu City—a team that has also turned heads with their outstanding performances in the 2024/2025 NPFL season.

Undoubtedly, the match between Abakaliki FC and Ikorodu City FC could go either way and promises to satisfy fans, as both clubs have emerged as surprise packages in the NPFL and the Federation Cup, producing shocking results that defied pundits’ predictions.

Like Abakaliki FC, Ikorodu City FC was founded just three years ago and has already sent shockwaves through both the NPFL and the Federation Cup, announcing their arrival on the big stage of Nigerian football.

Meanwhile, Nigeria National League (NNL) debutants Abakaliki FC, which came into existence in November 2024, are using the Federation Cup platform to gain national recognition.

Interestingly, these former minnows—or underdogs—of Nigerian football will meet for the first time in the Federation Cup semi-finals, a competition in which both clubs have emerged as giant killers.

While the performance of Ikorodu City—who are already eyeing a continental ticket in the NPFL—is not entirely unexpected, the extraordinary run of Abakaliki FC in the Federation Cup continues to excite football fans, especially those who enjoy dramatic upsets.

On their way to the semi-finals, the “Oga Boys” of Ikorodu City edged former champions Wikki Tourists 1-0 in Bwari, Abuja, while Abakaliki FC pulled off a major upset by eliminating NPFL side Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Both clubs have made history by reaching their first-ever Federation Cup semi-finals at their first attempt.

The “Rice Boys,” as Abakaliki FC are called, were founded in October 2024 by the Ebonyi State Government and made their professional debut on November 3 against Madiba FC of Lagos at the Pa-Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki. They acquired their NNL slot from Coal City FC.

In their professional debut, Abakaliki FC were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Madiba FC, also known as the “Oshodi Boys.” Coached by former Nigerian international Ifeanyi Onyedika, Abakaliki FC have underperformed in the NNL but have been surprisingly exceptional in the Federation Cup.

Having played 13 matches in the NNL, the Rice Boys are second from the bottom of the table with 14 points from three wins, five draws (four at home, one away), and five losses away from home.

It is against the backdrop of this lackluster league performance that their remarkable Federation Cup run has become a fairytale in Nigerian football.

Despite their underwhelming league form, Abakaliki FC have made waves with their giant-killing instinct. Eliminating three NPFL clubs in succession to reach their first-ever semi-final is a significant achievement.

After eliminating former NPFL side Yobe Desert Stars, Abakaliki FC grabbed national attention by stunning Katsina United in the Round of 32. They followed that with an even bigger upset, knocking out former African champions Enyimba FC in the Round of 16. They then brushed aside another NPFL side, Nasarawa United, in the quarter-finals to set up the last-four clash with Ikorodu City.

Abakaliki FC’s heroics in the Federation Cup have been attributed to the strong support from Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the football expertise of former NFF Executive Committee member, Senator Obinna Ogba, who serves as the club’s chairman.

2025 President Federation Cup: Battle of the underdogs as NPFL side, Ikorodu City FC, squares up with NNL side, Abakaliki FC

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